SUMMARY:

The dizzying pace of events that emanate from Riyadh has startled many observers. In quick succession, prominent Islamist dissidents were jailed; eleven princes and several ministers were reported to have been rounded up and sequestered in the Ritz-Carlton; a massive “anti-corruption drive” was launched; the Lebanese Prime Minister resigned while in Saudi Arabia; a missile was launched towards Riyadh from Yemen; Saudi Arabian citizens in Lebanon were ordered home, and the rift in the GCC, especially with Qatar, endures. In parallel fashion, it was hinted that the prohibition on women driving and the necessity of a male guardian would be relaxed; an entirely new $500 billion futuristic city was announced, and citizenship was granted to a robot. How can we comprehend this flurry of developments?

This special roundtable is an effort to situate and lend meaning to these developments as well as highlight the domestic, regional and international contexts. Our perspectives and approaches vary markedly. Specific angles include the constitutional crisis, princely power grabs, Vision 2030, the appeal to youth and nation, and the future of the monarchy. Panel participants will speak very briefly to allow time for full engagement from the floor.